Age-related macular degeneration
10.5124/jkma.2024.67.8.500
- Author:
Donghyun JEE
1
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
- Publication Type:Opinion
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2024;67(8):500-505
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. Recently, AMD prevalence in Korea has increased from 6.6% to 13.9% over the past decade, which may be a threat to the public health of Korean society. This study describes the current status, including risk factors, treatment, and economic burden of AMD in Korea.Current Concepts: Major AMD risk factors have been consistently reported, including age, hypertension, smoking, and ultraviolet radiation. The primary AMD treatment is intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). Anti-VEGF was developed and improved in terms of efficacy and safety. However, AMD treatment’s economic burden is significant. Therefore, several treatment strategies have been introduced, such as monthly, as-needed, and treat-and-extend injection strategies.Discussion and Conclusion: With the rapid increase in AMD prevalence in Korea, the economic burden of AMD management will be a significant challenge for the Korean healthcare system. Therefore, cost-effectiveness and resource allocation for AMD treatment needs to be investigated.
